Pueblo parents and teachers push for new tactic on failing schools

Pueblo City Schools are continuing their search for an external manager to take over the day to day operations for two of their underperforming schools, Risley International Academy of Innovation and Heroes Academy

District 60 is required to do this after the Colorado State Board of Education made the order last November at the school boards recommendation.

However, the Pueblo Education Coalition, a group of parents and teachers within District 60, want to see a specific type of manager with a specific type of educational philosophy take over one or both of the schools.

It’s called a community school and more are opening its doors across the country. The Pueblo Education Coalition says they want the new manager to bring this education approach to Pueblo.

“One of the main tenants of community schools is that parents family’s are more involved with the decision making at the schools,” said Robert Donovan, an educator at Risley and member of the Coalition. “Obviously parents are the ones that understand the challenges they are going through the best to help with low testing scores.”

That’s why Robert Donovan and other coalition members want the next manager of either school to be more of a community go-between. For the school and families.

One parent, we spoke with has experienced this already. Esperanza Saucedo’s son graduated from a D60 school but experienced a community school when they lived in Texas.

“They actually went into our lifestyle to see what he actually needed,” said Saucedo. “They would as if there were any issues at home? Why is he not performing the way he needs? Do you need money to buy school supplies? Do you need a backpack? What can we do for you? What can we help you with?” Coalition members say this type of school doesn’t just help with needs in the classroom. It can help families with housing, mental health, or even basic food needs.

So, could this come here?

District 60 officials say it’s too early to tell. They are currently in the middle of the external manager search.

However, in that search, they want the community’s help in making that decision.

So far they have already had two public forums on the manager search. They also hope to receive community comments on their district website.

On February 4th at 6 p.m. at a venue that still has yet to be decided, the district plans on having another forum. However, external manager finalists will be allowed to give brief presentations to the public.

On January 16th at 6 pm , the Pueblo Education Coalition will hold their own public forum on community schools at the Rawlings library.

District 60 is required to select an outside manager or managers for Risley and Heroes academy by February 25 .